Ahoy!
Thank you to Mel, Jill, and Gemma!
FIVE
"Mad, you must think me, to consider any sort of deal with you," I say, stepping out of her grasp.
She doesn't even flinch at my harsh words. Rather, she smiles, and it's such a sweet, disarming smile that for a very quick moment, I'm thrown off my guard yet again.
"Not mad," she says, tilting her head. "But perhaps desperate."
My nostrils flare as I glare at her. She breathes a small laugh, looking down at her hands and shaking her head. "Captain, I need your help."
I am at such a phenomenal loss for words, I cannot do anything but sit. "Surely, you cannot be serious," I say after a moment.
She turns to the chairs, and reaches for the rum, pouring another glass. "I know what it is you lost that day," she says, not looking up at me. My hands fist at the memory of that day. "I know the cost it became for you." She looks at me, offering me the rum. I don't take it. "What I am offering is highly lucrative. You will triple your assets and all that you once lost will be restored in full."
She sets the bottle and glass of rum on the small table, taking a seat across from me. She crosses her long legs again, and really, her skirts are far too short. It's indecent. My eyes flicker back up her body to her face, and I can't think of what to say, so I reach out and drink the rum.
"Through illegal means, I've no doubt," I say, wincing as the spirit burns its way down my throat.
She shrugs. "No one gets rich being honest."
I frown at her. "It's never been my ambition to be rich."
At this, she looks surprised. "I do believe, dear Captain, that is the first lie you've told me."
I look away from her. She can't know such things.
"What I lost that day cannot be replaced with coin," I say after a moment. "There are heirlooms, the last tokens of my parents that you stripped from me." I look at her. "I want them back."
It's impossible to say what she's thinking as she turns to gaze into the fire. "That is surprisingly sentimental," she says finally. I look at her. She's still gazing into the fire. "Very well, Captain. I will have these items returned to you, as soon as we are finished with my quest."
She turns to look at me and pours another measure of rum. She leaves it on the table and I frown at it. "Why do you require my aid?" I ask, dragging my gaze up to her. "Do you not have a fleet at your command?" I ask, my tone cold.
She smiles thinly, and there is no warmth in it. "They are currently deployed in other business," she says dismissively. I have no idea what that means. "So what do you think, Captain? Will you join me in an adventure?"
"I've not a ship anymore," I tell her pointedly.
She shakes her head. "Not a problem."
"Nor a crew."
"That's fine."
I stare at her. "What is it you want from me, specifically?"
I know the moment the words have left my tongue that I have made a mistake. She turns to look at me, and that devilish smile is upon her lips once more.
"Oh, how I was hoping you'd ask." She purrs. "What I wouldn't give for a taste of the passion you are channeling into anger."
I blink in surprise and she grins, looking back at the fire.
"You are too bold," I tell her.
She laughs. "Perhaps you are not bold enough."
She turns to look at me, and I see the flames dancing in her gaze. She is as the devil himself. "You have proven yourself of strong character, Captain. You are fair in judgment and rather progressive in your thought. These are the qualities I need in the crew around me as I take on my quest."
I shake my head. "You still haven't told me what it is you seek."
She waves her hand airly. "All in good time. It is privileged information, reserved for those brave enough to join me." She flashes me a wink, and I let out a harsh breath. I reach for the dram of rum and drink it swiftly. It's too warm in the room, and my head is dizzy from her riddles.
"What makes you think I will help you and not turn you in?" I ask.
Isabella smiles and reaches out to me, her small hand landing on the back of mine.
"I know you, Captain. You are much more noble than that."
She gives me too much credit. As it is, I'm planning on leaving this room and hunting down the authorities. All I need to do is get my feet under me.
"I'm not," I say, my voice heavy. I shake my head. Have I had too much rum? I didn't think so, but when I glance at the bottle, I see that a very decent amount is gone.
"I've an idea," Isabella says. "Let's sleep on it. Come, we'll share the bed." I gape at her and she grins. "Don't worry, Captain, I won't take advantage of you."
"I'm not staying here tonight," I protest.
"Oh, but I rather think you are," she whispers. I blink at her. "You see, I've poisoned you. It won't kill you; it will only make you sleep, rather like the dead, I'm afraid. I think it's best we move you to the bed before you are forced to sleep in that chair. I won't be able to lift you on my own."
My mind is too slow to keep up with her. "Whattre… wha…" My body grows heavy, my mind turning like a wheel caught in mud.
"Come now, Darling," she says, yanking me to my feet. I stumble into her and her arms go around my waist. "If I knew it would be this easy to get you into bed…" She giggles. I want to curse her, but my tongue is too thick. She moves us, like an awkward dance, across the room until she's able to push me onto the bed. I fall heavily, my mind thick with confusion. I feel her climb over me, her skirts bunched around her waist as she straddles my hips. She leans over me, resting her arms atop my chest and her chin upon her folded hands.
"Think on my offer," she says softly. The weight of her is warm and comforting. I want her to stay where she is. "And dream of me."
I am aware of the petal soft touch of her kiss upon my cheek as I slip into dreams.